FACTS
Name: Calista Anne Walker; A.K.A. Cali
Location: Borgess Hospital
Time Born: 3:21am
Date Born: Friday, September 16, 2011 (same day as my grandma Sharon's birthday!)
Weight: 8lbs 3oz
Height/Length: 21"
Breastfeeding or Bottles: Breastfeeding
Other: Born a healthy baby with lots of dark brown hair. What a gorgeous little doll!
LABOR/DELIVERY
Matt and I went to the hospital on Wednesday for a scheduled induction at 12:00pm. My natural contractions were too close, so they couldn't actually induce me until after 2:00pm, once they had slowed down. I was hooked up to a monitor that measured the baby's heart beat along with any contractions that occurred. Well, after lying in a bed until 9:00pm that night, they decided that I wasn't going into labor anytime soon, so they sent us home. On that ride home, I began to feel very painful contractions and was worried that "real" labor might start soon, so before we even got home, we drove back to the hospital (9:20pm) and they hooked me back up to the monitor. After lying in bed until 1:30am and contractions not feeling as painful, they decided that nothing was happening, so they sent me home again. I tried to lay in bed and get some sleep, but contractions began to get PAINFUL and I just couldn't fall asleep. After a few hours at home, my water broke (that was a fun mess that we had to clean up days later), so before just returning to the hospital, we called and confirmed that it was a good decision. So, there we were, at Borgess, contractions feeling more and more painful. During that day (Thursday) my contractions became so painful that I decided an epidural would help me out. (Epidural was AWFUL at first... no fun.) It did relieve the contraction pain, but I was still able to feel pain/pressure in my vaginal area. By Thursday night, I was given a small dosage of pitocin. Soon I began pushing. After about 2.5 hours, and barely being able to see the baby's head during the pushes, my midwife consented with the doctor on staff and decided that at this point, my options were to have a c-section or to try "sucking" the baby out with a "vacuum". I chose the vacuum. I had one chance left to push using the vacuum as an aide to get the baby to come out. I pushed as hard as I could, (and I had an episiotomy), and surprisingly, the baby came out! What a miracle! I was shocked- I thought I'd have to have a c-section. The feelings after that immediately overwhelmed me. What a surreal moment. Matt was there by my side the whole time. He was awesome & got me through it all. There were so many people who were praying (even in the middle of the night) and I am so thankful for that! Calista was born at 3:21am Friday morning.
HOSPITAL
I had a midwife get me through everything, until the vacuum came out. Theresa Newberry and Dr. Thome delivered Cali. Theresa is amazing. She is the best midwife out there. I would recommend her to anyone, hands down!
Matt, Cali, and I stayed at Borgess until Sunday, when we were released to go home. It was so wonderful having so many friends and family come in to visit. We are blessed in so many ways, and the people who surround us are the biggest blessing of all! We love you all so much, and are thankful for your love, support, & prayers.
Borgess is great. I would also recommend them to anyone getting ready to have a baby.
ARRIVING HOME
Well, let the transition begin! We have been at home for 2 days/night now (as I write this), and it has been a constant learning experience. Cali is adjusting to us, and we are adjusting to her, and it's wild and crazy and wonderful. My mom and Matt's mom have stayed with us, helping out with food, cleaning, and "night duty", allowing us to get a little bit of sleep. They are AMAZING!
Matt, Cali, & I have all been sleeping in the living room, until I heal up and am no longer too sore to walk up the stairs to our bedroom. I am thinking a few more days and I will be ready to return to my comfy bed and put Cali in her special baby room.
We took Cali to her pediatrician today for a check-up/well-baby visit. Everything seems to be fine. The doctor gave me some good advice to help with sleeping, my breastfeeding, and my diet (as Cali was having lots of gas). So I will be trying to stay away from things such as apples, green beans, pasta, and other things that may bother her.
There is so much to think about now, being a parent, and breastfeeding a baby. I have SO much love for her and am totally in love with this baby. Matt is an amazing husband, and Cali is a wonderful daughter, and I couldn't serve a greater God. I am so thankful.
VISITING
We would love to see you and allow you to visit Calista. PLEASE just call or text to let us know when you would like to come. That way we can make sure we are at home, feeling well, and not sleeping. Also, if you are sick, please give it some time before coming to visit. We don't want our precious baby exposed to anything at such a young age. Thank you for understanding. Give a call/text, and we'll see you then!
